Resources to Build Learners' Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills Resources is a new PAAER website page that provides materials designed for teachers and student support coordinators to use with adult learners. All materials have been created or adapted from research and/or evidence-based resources and adjusted to be accessible for individuals with less than a high school reading level. These resources can be used before, during, after, or separate from classroom activities and lessons. For example, the Self-management 2.2 worksheet, which focuses on self-discipline, could be incorporated into your program orientation.

Workforce Development System Liaison (WDSL) Project staff are available to do a short presentation to adult education staff and volunteers virtually or face-to-face to help programs determine the best way to use these resources to complement what is already being done within a program. WDSL Project staff can also help to adapt materials as needed for English language learners. 



There are many ways these resources can be used to help adult learners improve their transferable skills which can help them to get a job, keep a job, or progress along a career pathway. The WDSL Project looks forward to supporting programs to determine the best way to use these resources. Please contact the WDSL project by emailing Chrissie Klinger at cok5111@psu.edu for more information and support. 

Webinar: Teaching Soft Skills to Literacy Level and Beginning ELLs

The Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) will host a webinar on Thursday, July 30, 2:00-3:00 p.m., titled Teaching Soft Skills to Literacy Level and Beginning English Language Learners. After introducing the concept of soft skills, this webinar will provide concrete language and activities for discussing them with learners. Participants will also discuss language that learners can use in job interviews to highlight their abilities. Register today for this webinar opportunity.

Upcoming Professional Learning for Adult Education and Family Literacy Staff

Staff at PDE-funded adult education and family literacy agencies can view a list of upcoming courses now available for enrollment in the PD Portal. For more information about any of these courses, please visit the PD Portal, open the course catalog, and view the syllabus. If you are interested in enrolling in a course, please consult with your in-house professional development specialist (IHPDS) to determine if the course meets your professional learning goals.

Collecting Data on Persistence

As we start a new program year, it’s a good time to remind adult education practitioners about collecting and discussing data around adult learners’ persistence. Collecting and discussing this data can relate to persistence in attending class, completing supplemental distance learning activities, completing partner program (Title I, EARN, probation, etc.) requirements, staying employed, or managing mental health. The Workforce Development System Liaison (WDSL) Project staff is available to discuss your agency’s learner persistence goals and provide resources and technical assistance to support staff and learners. From establishing consistency among case notes to improve data discussions to using student career pathway progress check-in forms to gather data that can be shared with partners, the WDSL Project is here to help! Contact Chrissie Klinger at cok51111@psu.edu. 

NASDAE Adult Education Fact Sheets for 2024-25

The National Association of State Directors of Adult Education has published their Adult Education Program Fact Sheet that reflects trends and data from the 2024-25 program year. The initial page shows statistics for the United States and there is a dropdown to examine information for specific states like Pennsylvania.

The job postings below are for adult basic education programs funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and, at least in part, by WIOA Title II funds. You can also find the postings on the PAAER website. To post a job, please email the job advertisement to mjmanfred@tiu11.org. 

There are no job postings at this time.

Visit PAAER.org for the latest PA adult education news and resources. Recent additions to the site include:

• Data-Focused Support page
• 2025-26 eData Access Template v3
• Artificial Intelligence

• Level Up GED^® Conference - July 29-31, 2026 - Atlanta, GA - In-person
• CEA International Conference & Training Event - August 2-5, 2026 - Bellevue, WA - In-person
• NCFL Families Learning Conference - November 8-11, 2026 - San Antonio, TX - In-person
• COABE National Conference - April 11-24, 2027 - New Orleans, LA - In-person

State and national organizations' newsletters are listed below and may be of interest to you. To receive the most recent editions by email, please subscribe directly to the newsletter. 

Families Learning, News of the Week, National Center for Families Learning

Features information and resources for family literacy, early childhood education, and parent education.

July 10 | June 30 | June 26 | June 22

COABE Connects, Digital Equity, Coalition on Adult Basic Education

Features national information, resources, and initiatives for adult basic education.

July 17 | July 10 | July 3 | July 1 | June 26 | June 19 | June Compass Newsletter

World Education/U.S.

Features resources and information from World Education projects, including EdTech Center News, The Change Agent, College for Adults, E-Learning, LINCS Region 1 Professional Development Center, National College Transition Network, and many others. 

June 16 International News | June 11